Scandinavia Itinerary: 10 Days
Fringed with fascinating fjords, sweeping natural wonder and lively cities, Scandinavia is deep-rooted in unique culture and tradition. If you’re speculating over how to plan a trip up north, save this 10-day Scandinavia itinerary.
Nestled in the northern stretch of Europe, the Scandic region is scattered with a world of opportunities. From the azure blue saunas and canal-woven villages to the minimalist fashion culture and the nonpareil Northern Lights, Scandinavia makes for a fantastic foray.
10-day Scandinavia Itinerary:
Finland, Sweden, Norway & Denmark
Scandinavia is stretched over a vast slew of ground, and there is a lot to discover. If you’re looking for itineraries for 7, 14 or 21 days, scroll down below to find out what’s on offer.
Plan the perfect trip with this 10-day Scandinavia itinerary. You'll kick things off in Helsinki in Finland, before moving onto Stockholm in Sweden.
Then, you'll venture out to Gothenburg before popping into Copenhagen in Denmark. Following a fantastic few days, you’ll head over to Oslo in Norway and finalise your trip to Pulpit Rock.
Day 1-2: Helsinki, Finland
Day 3-4: Stockholm, Sweden
Day 5: Gothenburg, Sweden
Day 6-7: Copenhagen, Denmark
Day 8-10: Oslo, Norway
Day 1-2: Helsinki, Finland
Your Scandinavia itinerary commences with two days in the captivating northern corner of Europe. Set the ball rolling in Finland’s capital city, Helsinki.
Etched with an eclectic expanse of things to do, you'll be left surprised at the dazzling diversity on offer here. Cruise around the alluring archipelago, relish in the unique architectural gems and meander through the myriad of museums.
Stop by the UNESCO-listed Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, pop into the Temppeliaukio Church and head up to the Helsinki Cathedral. Shop for local delicacies at the Old Market Hall, admire the architecture at the Uspenskin Cathedral and enjoy a spring or summertime picnic in Esplanadi Park.
Things to do in Helsinki:
Discover the depths of the Nuuksio National Park
Uncover the beautiful archipelago aboard a boat tour
See the show-stopping Suomenlinna tour
See it all on a panoramic coach tour
Visit all the top sights on a hop-on hop-off bus
If you can squeeze in some more time, take a day trip to Tallinn
Where to Stay in Helsinki:
€€€: Hotel Kämp
Day 3-4: Stockholm, Sweden
After spending two days in Helsinki, catch a quick flight or hop on an overnight train. Make your way into Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm where you’ll enjoy two days of sprawling city life.
Crowned with multi-coloured buildings, canal-strung streets and culture-packed activities, this city will have you on the edge of your seat. Step foot inside the ever-verdant Djurgården’s dazzling museums, and don’t miss highlights like the ABBA Museum, the Skansen and Vasa Museum.
Feel the sea breeze as you cruise around the 30,000-island archipelago, dive deep into the Swedish History Museum and catch the sunset over the city from the Monteliusvägen cliff path. Sip some tea in Nytorget Square and visit the iconic Gamla Stan neighbourhood.
In this part of your 10-day Scandinavian itinerary, you’re sure to be delighted!
Things to do in Stockholm:
Taste traditional delicacies on a Nordic food walk
Keep your wallet intact with the Stockholm Pass
See everything on a city archipelago sightseeing cruise
Go deep into the history on an Old Town walking tour
Get mind boggled in the Paradox Museum
Explore on an Under the Bridges boat tour
See the highlights on the hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Stockholm:
€€: Berns Historical Boutique Hotel
€€€: Bank Hotel
Day 5: Gothenburg, Sweden
After spending this first leg of your Scandinavian itinerary in Stockholm and Helsinki, now’s the time to mix things up. Hop on a high-speed train and step inside the ‘globe’s most sustainable destination’, Gothenburg.
Coined for its cultural scene, gourmet gastronomy cuisine and sprightly history, this city is well worth the visit. Get enticed in the Gothenburg Museum of Art, peruse the colours in the Botanical Garden and scream your lungs out in the Liseberg amusement park.
Stop for a bite to eat in the Haga neighbourhood, take a nap inside the Slottsskogen Park and cruise around the Northern and Southern Gothenburg archipelago. Visit the picture-perfect Trädgårdsföreningen park, check out vintage cars in Volvo Museum and get gobsmacked at the Götaplatsen (Gothenburg Museum of Art).
Things to do in Gothenburg:
See it all from a different perspective on the Amphibious bus tour
Keep your budget in order with the Gothenburg Pass
See it all on an archipelago cruise
Visit the highlights on the hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Gothenburg:
€€: Hotel Riverton
€€€: Hotel Pigalle
Day 6-7: Copenhagen, Denmark
After frolicking through the fascinating slew of sites in Sweden, jump aboard a high-speed train to Denmark. Make your way through the archipelago to the capital city, Copenhagen.
Gawk at the royal Rosenborg Castle, go wild in the Tivoli Gardens and check out the sights from the Round Tower. Pop into the Christiansborg Palace, swing past the SMK National Gallery of Denmark and shop for fresh goods at the TorvehallerneKBH market. Step inside the Amalienborg Castle, view the fine art in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum and stroll along the picturesque Nyhavn harbour.
See Frederik’s Church, fumble through the fascinating King’s Garden and stop by the striking Church of Our Saviour.
Things to do in Copenhagen:
Relish in the flavours of a culinary experience tour
Save yourself some cash with the Copenhagen Pass
See the city on a bike tour
Wind through the world of the National Museum
Feel the breeze on a canal cruise
If you can squeeze in an extra day, hop on a day trip to Lund & Malmö
Where to Stay in Copenhagen:
€: Cabinn City
€€€: Villa Copenhagen
Day 8-10: Oslo, Norway
In this final chunk of your 10-day Scandinavian itinerary, jump on a high-speed train or catch a flight into Norway. Wind up your trip in the unforgettable capital city, Oslo.
Framed with flamboyant museums, scintillating sculpture parks and replete royal palaces, Oslo is the perfect spot to bring your trip to a close. Mosey around the Akershus Fortress, stroll through the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and catch a performance at the Oslo Opera House.
Take a step back in time at the Viking Ship Museum, step inside the resplendent Royal Palace and feast your eyes at Vigeland Sculpture Park. Enjoy a picnic in Frogner Park, heat up in a sizzling sauna and get immersed in nature at the Oslo Fjord.
Things to do in Oslo:
Explore the Skjennungen Forest on a half-day hike
Discover the sights on a fjord sightseeing cruise
Jump on an alternative culture and street food tour
Keep it budget-friendly with the Oslo Pass
Get around like a local on a bike tour
Where to Stay in Oslo:
€€€: Hotel Continental
Scandinavia Itineraries for 7, 14 and 21 days
7 days
Day 1-2: Helsinki, Finland
Day 3-4: Stockholm, Sweden
Day 5: Gothenburg, Sweden
Day 6-7: Copenhagen, Denmark
14 days
Day 1-3: Helsinki, Finland
Day 4-6: Stockholm, Sweden
Day 7: Gothenburg, Sweden
Day 8-10: Copenhagen, Denmark
Day 11-12: Oslo, Norway
Day 13-14: Bergen, Norway
21 days
Day 1-4: Helsinki, Finland
Day 5-8: Stockholm, Sweden
Day 9-10: Gothenburg, Sweden
Day 11-14: Copenhagen, Denmark
Day 15-17: Oslo, Norway
Day 18-19: Pulpit Rock & Kjeragbolten
Day 20-21: Bergen, Norway
Best Time To Visit Scandinavia
Scandinavia showcases something different in every season, with each extreme honing in on a huge haul of highlights. The best time to visit Scandinavia is during the summer and shoulder seasons.
The peak season, June to August boasts the best weather for exploring the terrain.
Highlights include classic, flower-bedecked Midsummer celebrations as well as Danish and Swedish strawberry season. Although it comes with higher prices on accommodation, activities and transport, this is by far the top time to take full advantage of the weather.
The off-peak periods of mid-June and early September proffer pleasant temperatures without the hype of the summertime crowds.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, this is one of the best seasons to do your 10-day Scandinavian itinerary. Plus, you’ll get to experience to flush of colours during the spring or autumn season.
The winter season, December to February, showcases a different side to the Scandic region.
With the cold stealing the show, if you’re able to tolerate the near-freezing temperatures, you’ll be able to bask in a unique light. This season is topped with Christmas markets, skiing and snow sports and plenty of opportunities to view the Northern Lights.
How to Get Around Scandinavia
There are many ways to get around Scandinavia, with ferries, aeroplanes, buses, trains and car rentals spread throughout. Depending on your budget and trip schedule, the best option can vary greatly. Here are some of the nitty-gritty details:
Fly on an aeroplane
One of the fastest ways to get around is by flying. In your 10-day Scandinavian itinerary, it’s recommended to take at least 2-3 flights so you can save on transport time.
Before you book, make sure you compare all options with Skyscanner. If your flight is delayed (for more than 3 hours) or cancelled during your travels, check out Compensair to find out if you can get compensated.
In the Nordic countries, you’ll find the following international airports:
Norway: Oslo-Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
Denmark: Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport (CPH)
Sweden: Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Finland: Helsinki-Arlanda Airport (HEL)
Board a ferry
When it comes down to ferries in Scandinavia, there are many scenic options.
Cruising between the Nordic capitals is a great way to save money, especially if you snag an overnight ferry. Most ferries in Scandinavia boast comfortable and clean cabins, with eateries, cafes and tax-free shopping to keep you entertained. Here are a few overnight ferries to consider adding to your 10 day Scandinavia itinerary:
Helsinki, Finland to Stockholm, Sweden
Copenhagen, Denmark to Oslo, Norway
Bergen, Norway to Hanstholm, Denmark
Hop on a train
Scandinavia is home to a well-developed train network, with frequent and rapid options available.
For multi-destination trips, European residents can save money with an Interrail pass, and non-European residents can choose a Eurail pass. Before booking your train journey, check out Omio and Trainline to consider all options, times and prices.
Here are some of the distances and times connecting each major city in the Scandic region:
Stockholm, Sweden to Gothenburg, Sweden: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Gothenburg, Sweden to Oslo, Norway: 3 hours and 55 minutes
Stockholm, Sweden to Copenhagen, Denmark: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Stockholm, Sweden to Oslo, Norway: 5 hours and 50 minutes
Oslo, Norway to Flåm, Norway: 5 hours and 45 minutes
Oslo, Norway to Bergen, Norway: 6 hours and 50 minutes
Catch a bus
Travelling around on the bus in Scandinavia may be a budget-friendly option, but it isn't the most time-effective.
If you're strung to a tight schedule, buses shouldn't be prioritised. The most reliable bus company in Scandinavia is Flixbus. Before booking, compare your options on Busbud.
Rent a car
Hiring a car when visiting Scandinavia can offer insight into scenic coastal regions and hidden destinations. The best time to drive around the Nordics is from April to October. During this season, you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours and pleasant weather conditions.
Not only will you bask in the beautiful terrain, but driving will allow you to get off the beaten path and set your own time schedule. If you plan to drive during the winter season or colder months, be prepared for extensive snowfall and heavy showers.
Top Travel Tips for Your 10-day Scandinavia Itinerary
Scandinavia is home to a string of scintillating experiences, from the plundering fjords to the fascinating cities. Every corner of this region is replete with wonder, so make the most of your Scandinavian itinerary with these travel tips:
Organise a travel budget and set up a strict savings plan (Scandinavia is known to be expensive)
Dress for comfort – layers are a must when visiting Scandinavia!
In this 10-day Scandinavia itinerary, opt for using a card over cash
Keep things budget-friendly with the Stockholm Pass, Gothenburg Pass, Copenhagen Pass & Oslo Pass
Save money by booking in the shoulder seasons like spring and autumn
Be aware of the different currencies. Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (Sek), Norway uses the Krone (Nok), Denmark uses the Danish Krone (Dkk) and Finland uses the euro.
Download a digital SIM card for your Scandinavia trip. See this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.
Purchase local delicacies from markets, not from chain stores
Master the art of packing light so you can avoid the airport’s extra baggage fees
Get familiar with some local phrases – a little effort can go a long way
Move around Scandinavia on high-speed trains or flights
Before booking, brush up on how to score cheap flights
Get to see more with free walking tours
Get prepared with travel insurance before you go
If you’re a non-EU resident, make sure you’ve got an International Drivers Permit
Make sure you book flights and accommodation in advance (at least 3-4 months)
Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path
Planning a Europe Trip?
Scandinavia makes for the trip of a lifetime! If you’re looking to extend your Euro trip, consider adding the following itineraries:
FAQS
Is 10 days enough in Scandinavia?
Scandinavia covers a lot of kilometres, and if you want to see it all, 10 days is probably not enough. That being said, you can tick off the top cities and tourist attractions from your bucket list. In 10 days, you can see Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
How many days do you need to visit Scandinavia?
Although you can see a lot of Scandinavia in 14 days, it would be ideal to visit for at least 21 days. In 3 weeks, you could travel through each country’s major cities and less-frequented towns and explore hidden gems.
How to see Norway in 10 days?
10 days in enough time to visit Norway’s most popular tourist destinations. You’ll be able to experience city life, escape to the mountains, see the fjords and even catch the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
What month is best to visit Scandinavia?
The best time to travel to Scandinavia is during the summer season. The months of June, July and August boast pleasant weather to explore, as well as the iconic summertime festivities.
Why Visit Scandinavia?
Straddling swoon-worthy scenery, diving dining, upscale fashion and unparalleled natural splendour, Scandinavia is dotted with diversity. From the verdant fjords and mountain-hugging towns to the sprawling city centres and world-class architecture, this destination should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Before you jet-set off to the nonpareil Nordic region, save this 10-day Scandinavia itinerary!
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